Dishwashing Conveyance System And Method

ABSTRACT

A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations. A corresponding system and method are also disclosed and claimed herein.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to dishwashing appliances, and more particularly,to conveyance systems for dishwashing appliances.

Background of the Invention

High-volume commercial dishwashing industries tend to implement conveyordishwashers to actively move dishware along an assembly line cleaningsystem. This type of cleaning system may include various cleaning zones,such as a pre-wash zone, a main wash zone, and a final rinse zone. Eachzone is arranged downstream of the previous zone, and dishware istransported in a single direction through the system to encounter eachdishwashing zone in a desired order.

Conveyor dishwashers typically include a conveyor belt to accommodatedishware directly, or to move dishware retained in racks through acleaning cycle. The conveyor belt moves the dishware through successivezones and is provided with a tank that holds liquid to be sprayed in itsrespective zone. Since dishware is conveyed in one direction througheach zone, however, it is not uncommon for spatter from liquid anddebris from one zone to contaminate the next zone.

The nature of a conveyor dishwasher also requires a large footprint asdishes are moved through the cleaning process in series. Dirty dishesenter a first cleaning zone (such as a pre-wash zone), advance throughsuccessive cleaning zones (such as a main wash zone), and then finallyemerge as clean dishes from a final cleaning zone (such as a final rinsezone) located a significant distance from the first cleaning zone intraditional systems. In addition, access to the surface of a dish in aconveyor dishwasher may be impeded by non-optimal orientation andpacking of dishes. Neighboring dishes may obscure access to certainareas of the dish, thereby preventing effective cleaning.

Accordingly, what are needed are systems and methods to preventcontamination from liquid and debris spatter between successivedishwashing zones and to reduce the footprint traditionally associatedwith conveyor dishwashers. Also what are needed are systems and methodsto optimally position and securely retain dishware during cleaning,thereby increasing dishwashing efficiencies and throughput by ensuringeffective access to the dish surfaces. Finally what is needed aresystems and methods to allow dishwashing stages or zones to operate inparallel, such that dirty dishes enter the system and clean dishes exitthe system substantially simultaneously. Such systems and methods aredisclosed and claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not thereforeto be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be describedand explained with additional specificity and detail through use of theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of one embodiment of a system for conveyingdishware in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of one embodiment of a conveyance assembly inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 1C is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyanceassembly in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 1D is a side view of a third embodiment of a conveyance assembly inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 1E is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a conveyance assemblyin accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the system of FIG. 1A loading dishware onto aconveyance assembly in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3A is a cutaway view of one embodiment of a robotic manipulator inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cutaway view of the robotic manipulator of FIG. 3A with itsend effector actuated in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a motor to actuate a conveyanceassembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of sensors implemented to facilitate theoperation of the conveyance assembly in accordance with embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system for poweringa conveyance assembly and/or grasping element in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a conveyance assembly in accordance withcertain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6A is cutaway view of a conveyance assembly in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a side view of one embodiment of a conveyance assembly withgrooves to retain dishware in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6C is a side view of one embodiment of a conveyance assembly witharticulating mechanisms that use gravity to actuate and retain dishwarein accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6D is a side view of a conveyance assembly having baskets to retaindishware in accordance with certain embodiments;

FIG. 6E is a side view of a conveyance assembly interacting with anoffboard contact point to shear dishware therefrom in accordance withcertain embodiments;

FIG. 6F is a perspective view of one embodiment of a conveyance assemblywith an articulating grasping element to retain dishware in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 6G is a perspective view of one embodiment of a conveyance assemblywith articulating pincers to retain dishware in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 6H is a perspective view of one embodiment of a conveyance assemblywith articulating claws to retain dishware in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 6I is a cross-sectional view of a conveyance assembly having a bellcrank linkage to actuate a grasping element in accordance with certainembodiments;

FIG. 6J is a cross-sectional view of the bell crank linkage of FIG. 6Iactuated to a different position in accordance with certain embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a receiving surface and conveyanceassembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an anti-slip element in a bow-tieconfiguration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an anti-slip element in a C-shapeconfiguration in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an anti-slip element in a crossconfiguration in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7E is a side view of a grasping element sprung to bring dishwareinto contact with an anti-slip element in accordance with certainembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7F is a side view of the grasping element of FIG. 7E having thedishware engaged therewith;

FIG. 7G is a perspective view of a transitional anti-slip element inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7H is a perspective view of another embodiment of a transitionalanti-slip element in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an input mechanism element for theoffboard actuator to engage the grasping element's onboard transmissionmechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8B is a side view of one embodiment of a grasping element utilizinga biasing element to maintain a grasp on dishware in an unpowered state;

FIG. 8C is a side view of the grasping element of FIG. 8B showingapplication of a transmission force;

FIG. 8D is a side view of the grasping element of FIG. 8B showing itsengagement with dishware;

FIG. 8E is a side view of the grasping element of FIG. 8B showing itsgrasp on dishware in an unpowered state;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a conveyance assembly and multiplegrasping elements in accordance with certain embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 9B is a side view of a rotating magnetic grasping element, alsoreferred to as a magnetic base mechanism, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9C is a side view of another embodiment of a rotating magneticgrasping element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9D is a side view of another embodiment of a rotating magneticgrasping element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9E is a side view of another embodiment of a rotating magneticgrasping element in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dual pole magnetic graspingelement in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a grasping element retracted from areceiving surface in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of a grasping element extended from areceiving surface in accordance with another embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of a process that a single magneticgrasping element may undergo during the rotation of a conveyanceassembly through stages of a cleaning cycle in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13B is a side view of dishware being magnetically handed off from agrasping element to an end effector in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13C is a side view of the dishware of FIG. 13B showing magneticengagement between the grasping element and end effector;

FIG. 13D is a side view of the dishware of FIG. 13B showing the endeffector receiving the dishware; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a process for conveying dishwarethrough a cycle in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, high-volume commercial dishwashing industriesrequire high-throughput of dishes through multiple independent cleaningzones or stages. Such cleaning stages may include, for example, apre-wash stage, a main wash stage, and a final rinse stage. Each stagemay be arranged downstream of the previous zone, and dishware may betransported in a single direction through the system such that itencounters each dishwashing stage in a desired order.

Some features and characteristics of traditional conveyor dishwashers,however, may be inherently inefficient or otherwise disadvantageous toindustry cleaning goals. For example, some dishwashing stages may sprayliquid at high pressures and flow rates to remove debris from thedishware and to provide sanitization. Spatter and debris from one stagemay thus inadvertently contaminate dishware in a next stage.Additionally, the single linear direction of travel for dishware toadvance through multiple stages of a traditional conveyor dishwasherrequires a machine having a large footprint. Finally, access to thesurface of a dish in a conveyor dishwasher may be impeded by non-optimalorientation and packing of dishes. Embodiments of the present inventionaddress these issues.

As used herein, the term “dishware” refers to any type of dish forpreparing or serving food, including plates, bowls, platters, pots,pans, glasses, mugs, cups and/or any other type of tableware or cookwareknown to those in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1A, one embodiment of a system 100 for conveyingdishware through a cleaning cycle may include a conveyance assembly 102and a robotic manipulator 104. The robotic manipulator 104 may includean arm with one or more degrees of freedom to move dishware 106 from onelocation 120 to another.

The robotic manipulator 104 may include any configuration known to thosein the art including, for example: serial, parallel, Delta, gantry,linear conveyor, rotary conveyor, or the like. Likewise, the roboticmanipulator 104 may include one or multiple degrees of freedom, havingany combination of active and passive joints. In one embodiment, therobotic manipulator 104 may include a first joint 114 connected to anactuator 124, and a second joint 122 having an end effector 108 to graspdishware 106 having various shapes and sizes. The actuator 124 mayinclude any electrical, solenoid, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic orother type of actuator 124 known to those in the art. The end effector108 may utilize any method known to those in the art to grasp thedishware 106 and transfer the dishware 106 to the conveyance assembly102.

In certain embodiments, for example, the end effector 108 may utilizemagnets, mechanically interlocking geometries, traction locking,suction, vacuum, or the like, to engage and/or retain the dishware 106.The conveyance assembly 102 may retain the dishware 106 via one or moregrasping elements associated with a receiving surface thereof, asdiscussed in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 may rotate about asingle axis 112 to convey the dishware 106 through multiple independentstages of a cleaning cycle. This axis 112 may be horizontal, vertical,or any angle in between, and may convey the dishware 106 throughindependent cleaning stages. Such cleaning stages may include, forexample, an acquisition stage to load dishware 106 onto the conveyanceassembly 102, a cleaning stage, a rinsing stage, a sanitizing stage, adrying stage, a sensing stage to determine whether the dishware 106 isadequately clean, and an unloading stage to unload the dishware 106 fromthe conveyance assembly 102. In certain embodiments, at least two of thecleaning stages correspond to unique physical locations.

The conveyance assembly 102 may move its receiving surfaces 116 andattached dishware 106 to each physical location associated with acleaning stage to convey the dishware 106 through the cleaning cycle. Aspreviously mentioned, the conveyance assembly 102 may rotate about asingle axis 112 for this purpose. In some embodiments, the conveyanceassembly 102 may rotate about more than one axis 112. Rotation about theaxis 112 may be intermittent or continuous, and in some cases, may bereversible to facilitate reprocessing dishware 106 that is inadequatelycleaned the first time through. In one embodiment, the conveyanceassembly 102 may rotate about the axis 112 in a reciprocating orback-and-forth motion.

In some embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 may be radiallysymmetric relative to the axis 112 of rotation. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1B-E, the conveyance assembly 102 may form a prismatic volume suchas a two-sided platform, a triangle, a rectangle, a hexagon, or ann-sided polygon. In other embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 maybe non-radially symmetric about the axis 112 of rotation and mayinclude, for example, a wedge shape, a half-circle, a panel with anoffset center of rotation, or the like.

Receiving surfaces 116 of the conveyance assembly 102 may besubstantially planar and include dimensions sufficient to accommodatevarious types and sizes of dishware 106. Receiving surfaces 116 may beoriented such that their normal vectors point radially, parallel to, ororthogonal to a primary axis 112 of rotation. As discussed in moredetail below, in some embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 and/orreceiving surfaces 116 may include features 126 to physically shieldindependent cleaning stages from cross-contamination.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a system 200 for conveying dishware 106 throughvarious independent stages 208 a-d of a cleaning cycle may include anactuator 124 adapted to move a robotic manipulator 104 between variouspositions. In certain embodiments, one or more articulated joints 114,122 of a robotic manipulator 104 may rotate or otherwise move toposition an associated end effector 108 as desired.

In one embodiment, the robotic manipulator 104 may position the endeffector 108 to passively or actively engage dishware 106. In someembodiments, the end effector 108 may be positioned to engage dirtydishware 106 stacked or otherwise placed in a location 120 proximate toother system 200 components. For example, dishware 106 may be located ona conveyor belt or stacked on a cart, elevator, or table adjacent to thesystem 200.

In certain embodiments, the end effector 108 may passively engage thedishware 106 using, for example, one or more springs, levers, camfollowers, magnets, suction cups, or the like. In other embodiments,engagement between the end effector 108 and the dishware 106 may beactively driven using electric motors, hydraulics, pneumatics,electromagnetic actuators, electrostatic actuators, or any other suchdevice or method known to those in the art.

In one embodiment, the dishware 106 may include a ferromagneticcomponent attached thereto or integrated therein. For example, thedishware 106 may include one or more elements such as neodymium, iron,boron, samarium, cobalt aluminum, nickel, ceramic ferrite, stainlesssteel, or any other magnetic material known to those in the art. The endeffector 108 may quickly and securely engage the ferromagnetic componentof the dishware 106 using permanent and/or electromagnets.

Specifically, a magnetic field applied by the end effector 108 mayattract the ferromagnetic component of the dishware 106. The endeffector 108 may then engage the ferromagnetic component of the dishware106. The robotic manipulator 104 may move the end effector 108 from afirst location to a second location, thereby transferring the dishware106 from its original location 120 to the conveyance assembly 102, forexample.

In other embodiments, as previously mentioned, the end effector 108 mayimplement a mechanical retaining mechanism to engage and retain thedishware 106. The mechanical retaining mechanism may be substantiallyfixed and may utilize passive, unpowered components to cause themechanism to engage the dishware 106. A mechanical retaining mechanismmay include, for example, a basket, a cage, hooks, a permanent magnet, asuction cup, or other such mechanism or device. The mechanical retainingmechanism may be activated by changing its orientation or otherwisealtering the gravitational force on the mechanism to cause the mechanismto engage the dishware 106. Alternatively, the mechanism may beactivated by application of mechanical force, such as placing themechanism against the dishware 106, for example.

Of course, various types of end effectors 108 may be implemented tomechanically engage dishware 106, and may include, for example, elementsthat are spring-loaded, gear-driven, magnetic, electrostatic, pneumatic,hydraulic, mechanically-interlocking, adherent, and/or any other suchelements known to those in the art.

The conveyance assembly 102 may receive dishware 106 from an endeffector 108 via one or more grasping elements. As discussed in moredetail below, grasping elements may be attached to or otherwiseassociated with a receiving surface 116 of the conveyance assembly 102,and may include magnetic attachment mechanisms, mechanical retainingmechanisms, powered or unpowered vacuum or suction mechanisms, or anyother such retaining mechanisms known to those in the art. In someembodiments, powered and unpowered grasping elements may be implementedsimultaneously in any number on a single receiving surface 116.

In one embodiment, one or more sensors may be coupled to or otherwiseassociated with the location 120 to detect the dishware 106. Sensors mayinclude, for example, lidar sensors, radar sensors, camera sensors,weight sensors, or the like. In certain embodiments, data gathered fromthe sensors may be used to identify the dishware 106 by its type orsize, for example.

Upon sensing the dishware 106, the sensor may send a signal to aprocessor or server to substantially align the end effector 108 of therobotic manipulator 104 with the dishware 106. In another embodiment,the end effector 108 may be aligned with the dishware 106 manually,automatically, or by any other means known to those in the art. The endeffector 108 may then grasp the dishware 106 and move it tosubstantially correspond to a location of a grasping element of theconveyance assembly 102.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, embodiments of the invention mayimplement end effectors 108 on one or more robotic manipulators 104 toload and unload dishware 106 from the conveyance assembly 102. In oneembodiment, an actuator 124 may be connected to an arm 302 of therobotic manipulator 104. The actuator 124 may include any electrical,solenoid, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic or other type of actuator knownto those in the art. A transmission mechanism including, for example, alinear drive, a slider crank, a push/pull cable, a rack and pinion, aspring, a belt, or the like, may be implemented to transfer power fromthe actuator 124 to move the end effector 108.

As shown, an arm 302 may have two degrees of freedom provided by a firstjoint 114 and a second joint 122. Of course, embodiments in accordancewith the invention may include robotic manipulators 104 having one ormultiple degrees of freedom, where any number of passive or activejoints 114, 122 may be implemented in any combination. For example,embodiments of a robotic manipulator 104 may implement one active joint,one active and one passive joint, two active joints, or the like.

In some embodiments, the end effector 108 may include one or morepermanent or electromagnets to grasp dishware 106 having a ferromagneticcomponent. In certain embodiments that contain permanent magnets, theend effector 108 may include a switchable magnetic base mechanism; apermanent magnet with a bell-like housing to increase magnetic fluxdensity; dual opposing-pole permanent magnets, or the like.

In one embodiment, a second joint 122 may passively couple the magneticend effector 108 to the arm 302. As shown in FIG. 3B, as the arm 302approaches a conveyance assembly 102, the end effector 108 may respondto magnetic forces between a ferromagnetic component of dishware 106 onthe conveyance assembly 102 and the end effector 108. The end effector108 may swing towards or away from the dishware 106 or conveyanceassembly 102 in response to such magnetic forces.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-C, certain embodiments of a conveyanceassembly 102 in accordance with the present invention may utilize amotor 400 or other actuator to power rotation of the conveyance assembly102 through various independent stages 208 a-d of a cleaning cycle. Suchactuation may utilize electric, solenoid, electromagnetic, hydraulic,pneumatic, or other such motors or devices known to those in the art.

In some embodiments, the motor 400 may transmit power to a shaft 402 torotate the conveyance assembly 102 about a corresponding horizontal axis112. In such embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 may be supportedon one side via a cantilevered shaft 402, or on two sides via shafts 402on either side of the conveyance assembly 102. Such shafts 402 may befixed or integral to the conveyance assembly 102 or, in someembodiments, may be fixed to an offboard structure such that theconveyance assembly 102 affixes to the shaft 402 via a through-hole.

In some embodiments, rotation actuation of the conveyance assembly 102may be accomplished offboard in a different manner. In one embodiment,the conveyance assembly 102 may be entirely supported by its outeredges, such that it rolls within a frame or structure that is actuated.In another embodiment, the conveyance assembly 102 may include agear-toothed profile on an edge or face such that an offboard, powereddrive gear meshes with the gear-toothed profile on the conveyanceassembly 102 to rotate the conveyance assembly 102. In the embodimentdepicted by FIG. 4C, as the conveyance assembly rotates, offboardmechanical features 410 may interact with features 412 articulating onthe conveyance assembly 102. As discussed in more detail below, thistype of interaction between offboard and onboard features 410, 412 mayalso power grasping elements 600 located on the conveyance assembly 102.

In other embodiments, rotation actuation of the conveyance assembly 102may be onboard. For example, a rotary actuator may be located inside theconveyance assembly 102 and electrical power may be commutated orwirelessly transmitted to the conveyance assembly 102.

In some embodiments, a plate 406 may separate the axis 112 from themotor 400. As shown in FIG. 4A, in certain embodiments, the plate 406may be equipped with various sensors to sense dishware 106 in proximityto a receiving surface 116 of the conveyance assembly 102. In otherembodiments, sensors 408 may be included on a receiving surface 116 tosense the dishware 106, or elsewhere onboard or offboard of theconveyance assembly 102, as depicted by FIG. 4B.

Sensors 408 may, for example, detect the presence or absence of dishware106 on a receiving surface 116, a location of the dishware 106, a typeof dishware 106, a size of the dishware 106, or the like. In someembodiments, such sensors 408 may be used to specifically identify suchdishware 106. Sensors 408 may include, for example, camera sensors,lidar sensors, radar sensors, weight sensors, or the like. Thisinformation may be used to determine appropriate cleaning parametersand/or to flag and reject certain dishware 106 from processing.

Sensors 408 onboard or internal to the conveyance assembly 102 maytransmit signal data off of the conveyance assembly 102 by, for example,wired or wireless signal transfer or the like. Sensors 408 situatedexternal to the conveyance assembly 102 may also transmit signal datavia wired or wireless signal transfer.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a system 500 in accordancewith embodiments of the invention may include a conveyance assembly 102having two or more receiving surfaces 116, each receiving surface 116having dimensions sufficient to accommodate various types and sizes ofdishware 106. One or more lobes 502 a, 502 b or other geometries orfeatures may be coupled to or extending from an edge of a receivingsurface 116. In some embodiments, lobes 502 a, 502 b may extend at anangle from the receiving surface 116 to provide a gradual slope fordishware 106 to slide off. Such lobes 502 a, 502 b or other features maybe implemented to facilitate reliable removal of dishware 106 or directa flow of water and/or other liquid and debris, for example.

In one embodiment, the dimensions and features of a receiving surface116 may substantially correspond to a surrounding structure of anindependent stage 208 a-d. In certain embodiments, an independentcleaning stage 208 a-d may direct liquid (including detergents, water,and other chemicals) towards the dishware 106. In one embodiment, areceiving surface 116 and its associated lobes 502 a, 502 b maycoordinate with features of the surrounding structure of the cleaningstage 208 a-d to isolate the liquid and/or debris within the stage 208a-d.

In other embodiments, powered or unpowered features of the conveyanceassembly 102 may also isolate stages 208 a-d to avoidcross-contamination between stages 208 a-d. For example, powered,articulating sealing surfaces may retract while the conveyance assembly102 is rotating, and may extend when the conveyance assembly 102 isstationary. Alternatively, as discussed above, unpowered, staticfeatures on the conveyance assembly 102 (such as lobes 204 a, 204 b)and/or surrounding system 500 structure may intermittently form aclosed, isolated volume at an independent stage 208 a-d. Such featuresmay extend from the conveyance assembly 102, the surrounding structure,or both, to shield independent stages 208 a-d from each other.

As discussed in more detail below, a receiving surface 116 may includean anti-slip element 504 to mediate contact between dishware 106 and thereceiving surface 116. In one embodiment, the anti-slip element 504 maybe a high friction pad or other material or coating on a substantiallylow friction receiving surface 116. In certain embodiments, theanti-slip element 504 may maintain a high coefficient of friction whenwet. The anti-slip element 504 may comprise, for example, an elastomersuch as natural latex, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, polyurethanerubber, silicon rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, or thelike.

In certain embodiments, an axial locking mechanism may be removablyaffixed to or engaged with the axis 112 to lock the conveyance assembly102 into place during operation. In some embodiments, the conveyanceassembly 102 may be easily removed from the system 500 for cleaning orrepair by disengaging the axial locking mechanism such that theconveyance assembly 102 is not axially restrained. The conveyanceassembly 102 may be fully sealed to protect internal components fromdamage from liquid and debris, and to facilitate cleaning. Additionally,in some embodiments, articulating elements on the conveyance assembly102 may also be sealed. In one embodiment, the conveyance assembly 102may be fully sealed to the system 500 chassis and not removable.

In some embodiments, the conveyance assembly 102 may include a side wall118 coupled to one or more sides of the conveyance assembly 102. Aportion of the side wall 118 may include a rubber, plastic, elastomeric,or other cushioning element 126 or pad coupled thereto to protect theconveyance assembly 102 in case it is inadvertently dropped orinadequately secured during operation. In certain embodiments, thecushioning element 126 may be coupled to an outer edge of the side wall118.

In one embodiment, the side wall 118 includes a rubber gripcircumferentially molded around its outer edge. Additionally, in someembodiments, one or more handholds 506 may be integrated into orattached to the side wall 118 to facilitate handling. In someembodiments, such handholds 506 may also function as throughways so asnot to obstruct any offboard sensors 408.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-J, in some embodiments, the conveyanceassembly 102 may house one or more grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 ccorresponding to a receiving surface 116 of the conveyance assembly 102.Any combination of powered or unpowered grasping elements 600 a, 600 b,600 c may be implemented to receive and retain dishware 106 during acleaning cycle. Grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may also remove orallow for the removal of dishware 106 from receiving surfaces 116.

As shown in FIGS. 6B-E, static grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c mayinclude, for example, fixed baskets or cages 614, fixed hooks 606, afixed suction cup 616, grooves 604, or other such fixed mechanisms tograsp and retain dishware 106. In some embodiments, unpowered graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may be activated by changing theorientation of the conveyance assembly 102 and gravity force vector tocause the grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c to engage the dishware106. In other embodiments, unpowered grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600c may be activated by an external mechanical force, such as whendishware 106 is placed thereon. In still other embodiments, the graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may be activated by rotation of theconveyance assembly 102 which may force the grasping elements 600 a, 600b, 600 c, or transmission elements connected to the grasping elements600 a, 600 b, 600 c, against other points of contact offboard theconveyance assembly 102, as previously discussed with reference to FIG.4C. In any case, unpowered grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c mayutilize or incorporate passive, unpowered mechanical components to graspdishware 106, such as springs, levers, cams, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 6F-J, other embodiments of the invention may utilizepowered grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c that articulate togeometrically engage and retain dishware 106. In some embodiments, apowered grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may include a mechanicalgrasping mechanism that articulates to apply force and traction to thesurface of dishware 106. In alternative embodiments, a powered graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may include a mechanism based on poweredvacuum suction, such as the Venturi effect. In one embodiment, poweredgrasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may include an electromagnetand/or permanent magnets which may move to grasp or release dishware 106having a ferromagnetic component.

Powered articulating grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may include,for example, fingers, arms 618,claws 620, pincers 622, a prismaticgripper, or the like, and may be powered by any electromagnetic,hydraulic, pneumatic, or other type of motor or actuator known to thosein the art. In some embodiments, an actuation source may be internal tothe conveyance assembly 102, such that electrical power may becommutated into the conveyance assembly 102, or transferred wirelessly.

Both passive and active grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may removeor allow for the removal of dishware 106 from receiving surfaces 116. Insome embodiments, the orientation of a receiving surface 116 and gravitymay work to remove dishware 106 from a grasping element 600 a, 600 b,600 c attached to the receiving surface 116. As shown in FIG. 6D, forexample, a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may respond to achanging gravity direction vector by, for example, causing a basket-typegrasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c to open to allow the dishware 106to fall. In other embodiments, articulating grasping elements may bedriven by the changing direction of gravity acting on dishware 106 tolever the mechanism.

In some embodiments, articulating passive grasping elements 600 a, 600b, 600 c may interact with offboard geometries to disengage fromdishware. For example, as shown in FIG. 6E, dishware 106 may be removedby conveyance assembly 102 motion and a fixed hardstop 612. In thiscase, the dishware 106 may run into hardstop 612 geometry that shears orpushes dishware 106 off of a receiving surface 116. In otherembodiments, dishware 106 may be removed by an articulating mechanisminteracting with a grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c onboard theconveyance assembly 102. In still other embodiments, powered graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may reverse their grasp to actively releasedishware 106.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6I and 6J, for example, theactuator or actuation source may be external to the conveyance assembly102. In some embodiments, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 4C,the actuator may interact with a point or feature on the conveyanceassembly 102 distal to the grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c itself.The actuator may work through a transmission mechanism internal to theconveyance assembly 102 to direct mechanical power to the graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c. Alternatively, an interaction point betweenthe actuator and the transmission mechanism may be on the side of theconveyance assembly 102 with a rod and cap, for example, such thatpushing or pulling on the cap actuates the grasping element 600 a, 600b, 600 c.

A transmission mechanism may include, for example, a rack and pinion, apush/pull cable, a bell crank mechanism, a dual slider crank mechanism,a lever, a cam follower, or any other such mechanism known to those inthe art. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6I and 6J, thetransmission mechanism may be an onboard bell crank linkage 608 drivenby an offboard actuator pressing on an input piston 610. Of course, aselected mode of transmission or transmission element may depend on thedesired interaction method and grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 carticulation.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-F, magnetic grasping may be much stronger inthe normal direction than in the lateral direction relative to a face ofa grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c. To prevent premature shearingoff and to stabilize attached dishware 106, an anti-slip element 504 maybe implemented beneath the dishware 106 on the receiving surface 116 ofthe conveyance assembly 102.

In certain embodiments, an anti-slip element 504 may be coupled to oroverlaid onto at least a portion of a receiving surface 116. In additionto facilitating effective release of the dishware 106 followingcompletion of the cleaning cycle, the anti-slip element 504 may alsofacilitate re-positioning dishware 106 attached to a grasping element600 a, 600 b, 600 c, as discussed in more detail below.

In certain embodiments, an anti-slip element 504 may be patterned in avariety of ways, including voids, islands, and various shapes spacedapart from one another on the receiving surface 116. For example, theanti-slip element 504 may have a bow-tie configuration (as shown in FIG.7B), a c-shape configuration (as shown in FIG. 7C), a crossconfiguration (as shown in FIG. 7D), or the like. The anti-slip element504 may stabilize dishware 106 relative to the receiving surface 116when the dishware 106 is engaged by a grasping element 600.

The anti-slip element 504 may be patterned, however, such that whendishware 106 is released from the grasping element 600, the dishware 106can be passively pulled off of the grasping element 600 with the forceof gravity on the dishware 106. Spaces between the anti-slip elements504 may allow the dishware 106 to gently rock to the lower frictionreceiving surface 116 to avoid the anti-slip element 504 geometry as itis sheared off. A C-shape anti-slip element 504 configuration mayrestrict passive shear-off behavior in one direction, for example, whilea bow-tie configuration may enable the dishware 106 to shear off fromtwo opposite directions.

In embodiments having a magnetic grasping element 600 that translatesthe magnet in and out of the receiving surface 116, the magneticgrasping element 600 may control contact between the dishware 106 andthe anti-slip elements 504 a, 504 b. For example, as discussed in moredetail below, the grasping element 600 may selectively lift the dishware106 off of the anti-slip elements 504 a, 504 b. If the dishware 106 isnot contacting any anti-slip elements 504 a, 504 b when it is liftedfrom the receiving surface 116 and it remains engaged with the magneticgrasping element 600, the dishware 106 may be repositioned laterally asneeded. When the magnetic grasping element 600 retracts into thereceiving surface 116, it may hold the dishware 106 against theanti-slip elements 504 a, 504 b to stabilize it.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7E-H, an anti-slip element 504a, 504 b may be a mechanical assembly with a transitional frictionproperty. For example, the anti-slip element 504 a, 504 b may include anarray of elements, where each element has a slippery surface on one sideand an anti-slippery surface on a reverse or opposing side. Each of theelements in the array may flip over to expose one side or the other.Actuating the array to flip over may be passive, such as with dishware106 movement, or active via an actuator. In one embodiment, the elementsmay be radially arranged such that they flip over in response to atorque on dishware 106 in contact therewith.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F, an anti-slip element504 a, 504 b may be a spring-loaded mechanism that is normally slippery,but may become anti-slip when pressure is applied on dishware 106 incontact therewith. Pressure applied to the dishware 106 in this mannermay press the spring-loaded mechanism down to engage the dishware 106with a high-friction material. In other embodiments, an anti-slipelement 504 a, 504 b may be a geometric feature that interlocks withcoordinated geometries on the dishware 106.

In certain embodiments, an actuation source external to the conveyanceassembly 102 may interact with input interfaces 702 a, 702 b, 702 c,shown as rod and cap mechanisms in FIG. 7A, to the transmission elementsthat engage other elements internal to the conveyance assembly 102 toactuate grasping elements 600. Each input to the transmission elements702 a, 702 b, 702 c may independently control an individual graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c.

As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the input mechanisms702 a, 702 b, 702 c drive transmission elements that may include, forexample, bell crank linkages or push/pull cables 812 to mediate betweenactuation source and grasping element and selectively translate graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c between various positions relative to thereceiving surface 116. Shown in FIG. 8A is an input rod and capmechanism 702 a, 702 b, 702 c on the side wall of the conveyance wheelthat an offboard linear actuation source may interact with to drive anonboard bell crank linkage or push/pull cable 812 transmission element,which may attach to a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c. This systemis discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in some embodiments, a cap 804 may connect to theend of the spring-loaded rod 802, to be nominally pushed in to actuatethe transmission element. In certain embodiments, the rod cap 804 may beferromagnetic such that the it can be pulled out by a magnetic interfaceattached to the offboard actuation source actuating the transmissionelement. In some embodiments, a server or processor may automaticallycontrol an actuator or motor connected to the transmission element 702.

Additionally, in certain embodiments such as those depicted in FIGS.8B-E, transmission elements 702 a, 702 b, 702 c may include a tensionmechanism 806 (such as a spring and mandrel) to automatically applytension to associated grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c in anunpowered state. The natural propensity of a grasping element 600 a, 600b, 600 c to spring back with respect to a receiving surface 116 in thismanner may effectively retain dishware 106 securely against thereceiving surface 116 in an unpowered state.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, in some embodiments, individual graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may correspond to unique receiving surfaces116 a, 116 b, 116 c of a conveyance assembly 102. In other embodiments,more than one grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may correspond to asingle receiving surface 116 a. As shown, in certain embodiments, eachgrasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may be substantially centrallylocated relative to its respective receiving surface 116 a, 116 b, 116c.

As previously discussed, in some embodiments, dishware 106 may be pickedup by a robotic manipulator 104 and placed onto a grasping element 600a, 600 b, 600 c of a conveyance assembly 102. Magnetic grasping elements600 a, 600 b, 600 c may be used to grasp dishware 106 having aferromagnetic component. In any case, embodiments of the inventionprovide grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c that may be engaged anddisengaged repeatably and reliably to maximize dishwashing efficiencies.

Magnetic grasping mechanisms may be implemented in connection with arobotic manipulator 104 end effector 108, grasping elements 600 a, 600b, 600 c coupled to a conveyance assembly 102, or both. For simplicity,magnetic grasping mechanisms will be described in connection withgrasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c, but may be understood as havingapplication to an end effector 108 as well. In either case, fixed,static electromagnets and/or permanent magnets may be used for graspingpurposes.

Magnetic attraction force relative to dishware 106 ferromagneticcomponents may be controlled by transitioning magnetic grasping elements600 a, 600 b, 600 c between various states. Where electromagnets areused, they may be switched on to engage dishware 106 having aferromagnetic component, and switched off to disengage such dishware106.

Where permanent magnets are used, they may be fixed such that theypassively engage dishware 106 placed on their surface. Disengagement maybe achieved by application of an external forcing element, such as arigid stop that pries or shears off the dishware 106 as the graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c moves past it. In alternative embodiments, acontrolled mechanism may actively pry or shear dishware 106 from themagnet. For example, in one embodiment, an actuated swiper arm mechanismonboard or offboard the conveyance assembly 102 may shear the dishware106 from the grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c. In anotherembodiment, a pry-off mechanism may be attached to the conveyanceassembly 102 or end effector 108 to remove the dishware 106.

In certain embodiments, a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c mayinclude permanent magnets that are switchable via an actuated switchablemagnet mechanism, or magnetic base, known to those in the art. In suchembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, magnetic flux output may bemodulated by, for example, rotating a permanent magnet relative to itshousing. The rotation of the magnets can also be performed as shown inFIGS. 9D and 9E, by rotating the permanent magnets towards or away fromthe receiving surface plane.

In some embodiments of a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600, permanentmagnets and electromagnets may be used simultaneously, such that whenthe electromagnets are energized they may create a magnetic field thatis reverse to the magnetic field direction of the permanent magnets.This may result in a net reduction in output magnetic field strengthfrom the magnetic grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c in which they areused.

Each grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may include a transmissionelement 702 a, 702 b, 702 c to selectively transition the graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c between at least two states. In someembodiments, one state may allow the grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600c to engage dishware 106 while another state may allow the graspingelement 600 a, 600 b, 600 c to disengage the dishware 106. In someembodiments, a transmission element 702 a, 702 b, 702 c may alsoselectively lock a corresponding grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 cinto a desired position or state.

In one embodiment, a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may transitionbetween an extended position and a retracted position relative to thereceiving surface 116 of a conveyance assembly 102. As discussed in moredetail below, in some embodiments, an extended or neutral position mayallow the grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c to grasp and retaindishware 106 while a retracted position may allow the grasping element600 a, 600 b, 600 c to disengage the dishware 106.

In another embodiment, a grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may rotateabout an axis to transition between two or more states. The axis may behorizontal relative to the receiving surface 116, and one or moremagnets may be coupled to one side of the grasping element 600 a, 600 b,600 c. As shown in FIGS. 9D and 9E, in this manner, the grasping element600 a, 600 b, 600 c may grasp and retain dishware 106 when the magnetsare positioned upward or substantially adjacent to the dishware 106, andmay disengage the dishware 106 when the grasping element 600 a, 600 b,600 c is rotated downward such that the magnets are away from thedishware 106.

Various types and combinations of grasping elements 600 a, 600 b, 600 cand transmission elements 702 a, 702 b, 702 c may be used in aconveyance assembly 102. For example, in one embodiment, a push/pullcable transmission element 702 a may correspond to one grasping element600 a, while a bell-crank linkage type transmission element 702 b maycorrespond to another grasping element 600 b. Additionally, graspingelements 600 a, 600 b, 600 c may be independently actuated such that onegrasping element 600 a may be extended relative to a correspondingreceiving surface 116 a while another grasping element 600 b isretracted or neutral relative to its receiving surface 116 b. In thismanner, each grasping element 600 a, 600 b, 600 c and transmissionelement 702 a, 702 b, 702 c is fully independent and able to function asneeded with respect to any particular independent stage 208 a-d.Grasping elements can also be dependent and controlled simultaneously.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a grasping element 600may include one or more magnets 902 configured to quickly and securelygrasp a ferromagnetic component integrated into or coupled to dishware106. For example, a grasping element 600 may comprise permanent and/orelectromagnets 902 affixed to a movable housing 912 configured to moverelative to the receiving surface 116. In certain embodiments, as shown,the grasping element 600 may include two permanent magnets 902 a, 902 bpositioned with opposing poles facing outward from the receiving surface116. The magnetic field created by this arrangement of magnets 902 maymigrate ferromagnetic components of the dishware 106 to center relativeto the two permanent magnets 902 a, 902 b.

In certain embodiments, the housing 912 may translate or rotate relativeto the receiving surface 116, such that the magnets 902 may move towardsthe dishware 106 to engage the dishware 106, and away from the dishware106 to disengage the dishware 106. In one embodiment, for example, thegrasping element 600 may include magnets 902 on a rotating cylinderhaving a rotation axis parallel to the receiving surface 116, as shownin FIG. 9E. Alternatively, the rotating cylinder may have a rotationaxis perpendicular to the receiving surface 116.

In certain embodiments, a grasping element 600 may include magnets 902configured to move laterally on the receiving surface 116, shearingsideways. In other embodiments, magnets 902 may move normal to thereceiving surface 116, in and out. For example, as shown, the housing912 may move the magnets 902 out of the receiving surface 116 to engagethe dishware 106 and retract into the receiving surface 116 to disengagethe dishware 106 by moving away from its ferromagnetic component. Thisembodiment may be particularly advantageous since many types of dishware106 have a recessed surface on their underside, with a variable depth.Extending the grasping element 600 out from the receiving surface 116 inthis manner may achieve consistent engagement with dishware 106, despitevariations in dishware recess depth.

In certain embodiments, the housing 912 may include a guide rod 908 anda linear bearing 910 to facilitate vertically transitioning the graspingelement 600 between various positions relative to the receiving surface116. In some embodiments, the guide rod 908 may be integrated into acentral portion of the housing 912 to stabilize and support the graspingelement 600 as it moves between vertical positions, and to furtherprovide support to dishware 106 engaged with the grasping element 600.The linear bearing 910 may provide fluid movement of the graspingelement 600 in transit between the various vertical positions.

In one embodiment, each of two permanent magnets 902 a, 902 b mayinclude a backing plate 906 a, 906 b to focus a magnetic field. Uponengagement of the dishware 106 with the grasping element 600, thebacking plates 906 a, 906 b may concentrate the magnetic field throughthe dishware 106 to attract and center the dishware 106 relative to themagnets 902 a, 902 b.

In some embodiments, a button cap 914 may be coupled to a top surface ofthe permanent magnets 902 a, 902 b to provide a smooth or slipperyinterface between the permanent magnets 902 a, 902 b and the dishware106. This slippery interface may facilitate re-positioning and/orcentering the dishware 106 with respect to the magnets 902 a, 902 band/or receiving surface 116. Indeed, in certain embodiments, theslippery surface of the button cap 914 may allow the dishware 106 toslide laterally prior to being secured in place relative to thereceiving surface 116. Other forces acting on the dishware 106, such aslateral streams of liquid at high pressure and/or application of ascrubber to the interior of the dishware 106, may also facilitatecentering the dishware 106.

Movement of the grasping element 600 may be actuated using any actuationtechnology known to those in the art. For example, actuation may beaccomplished via motors, hydraulics, pneumatics, electromagneticactuators, electrostatic actuators, or the like. In some embodiments,extension or retraction of the housing 912 may be passive byimplementing a spring or other biasing mechanism to bias the graspingelement 600 toward a fully extended or retracted state.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, in certain embodiments, actuation maybe binary such that the grasping element 600 is controlled between fullyextended and fully retracted states. In other embodiments, actuation maycontrol movement of the grasping element 600 between multiple discretestates, such as fully retracted, partially retracted, partiallyextended, and fully extended. In still other embodiments, actuation maycontrol movement of the grasping element 600 through a continuous rangeof states between fully retracted and fully extended states.

The push/pull cable 812 and anti-rotation rod 1000 may slide within atube 1002 to facilitate movement of the push/pull cable 812 betweenvarious positions. In certain embodiments, the length of the tube 1002may determine a maximum distance that the grasping element 600 may beretracted or extended relative to the receiving surface 116.

FIG. 13A illustrates exemplary steps in a process 1300 for grasping andretaining dishware 106 through a cleaning cycle in accordance withembodiments of the invention. For example, some embodiments of theinvention may include an acquisition stage 1302 to load dishware 106onto a conveyance assembly 102. A cleaning stage 1304 may then clean,and optionally dry, the dishware 106, after which the dishware 106 maybe unloaded from the conveyance assembly 102 in an unloading stage 1306.

In certain embodiments, the acquisition stage 1302 may include foursteps 1308, 1310, 1312, 1314. In the first step 1308, the graspingelement 600 may be retained in a substantially neutral position relativeto the receiving surface 116. In one embodiment, the grasping element600 may be unpowered such that a spring or other biasing mechanismpassively retains the grasping element 600 in this position relative tothe receiving surface 116 by default. Alternatively, the graspingelement 600 may be powered to assume this position.

In a second step 1310, the grasping element 600 may be actuated tovertically extend from the receiving surface 116. The magnetic fieldcreated by the grasping element 600 may thus attract ferromagneticcomponents of the dishware 106. In a third step 1312, the graspingelement 600 may grasp and retain a ferromagnetic component of thedishware 106. In certain embodiments, the combination of the magneticfield generated by the grasping element 600 and its slippery surface mayfacilitate centering the dishware 106 relative to the grasping element600.

In the fourth step 1314, the grasping element 600 may be retracted topull the dishware 106 substantially against the receiving surface 116.In other embodiments, power may be removed from the grasping element 600such that the grasping element 600 returns to a default position via aspring or other biasing mechanism, thereby pulling the attached dishware106 substantially against the receiving surface 116. In someembodiments, the receiving surface 116 may include one or more anti-slipelements 504 to mediate contact between the dishware 106 and thereceiving surface 116.

As shown, a cleaning stage 1304 may include two steps 1316, 1318. Thefirst step 1316 may selectively translate the grasping element 600 torelease the dishware 106 from the anti-slip element 504 and/or receivingsurface 116 such that magnetic forces from the grasping element 600 andmechanical forces on the dishware 106 may re-position the dishware 106.For example, as previously discussed, some embodiments of the graspingelement 600 may include two permanent magnets. The magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnets may migrate ferromagnetic components of thedishware 106 to center relative to the two magnets.

In other embodiments, streams of water or other fluid may be sprayedtoward the dishware 106 at high pressures or flow rates, and/or ascrubber or other mechanical device may make contact with an interior ofthe dishware 106. Releasing the dishware 106 from the anti-slip element504 and/or receiving surface 116 while maintaining attachment betweenthe dishware 106 and the grasping element 600 in this manner may enablethe dishware 106 to move laterally in response to such forces. In asecond step 1318 of the cleaning stage 1316, the grasping element 600may be actively or passively retracted such that the dishware 106 issecurely re-positioned relative to the anti-slip element 504 and/orreceiving surface 116.

An unloading stage 1306 may include selectively disengaging the dishware106 from the grasping element 600. A first step 1320 of the unloadingstage 1306 may include actuating the grasping element 600 to retractfrom the receiving surface 116 and thereby reduce the magnetic fieldbetween the grasping element 600 and the ferromagnetic components of thedishware 106. In this manner, the dishware 106 may be disengaged fromthe grasping element 600. Of course, in other embodiments, disengagingthe dishware 106 may include changing a state of the grasping element600 by rotating the grasping element 600, reversing a polarity thereof,or the like. In a second step 1322 of the unloading stage 1306, thedishware 106 may be removed from the receiving surface 116 by usinggravity to shear off the dishware 106, mechanically prying the dishware106 from the receiving surface 116, or by any other technique known tothose in the art.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13B-13D, removing the dishware106 from the receiving surface 116 may include magnetically handing offthe dishware 106 from the grasping element 600 to a magnetic endeffector 108 of a robotic manipulator 104. Like the initial transfer ofthe dishware 106 onto the conveyance assembly 102 during the acquisitionstage 1302, the dishware 106 must be disengaged from one magneticelement to enable it to be grasped by another magnetic element. In someembodiments, magnetic handoff may be facilitated by controlling adifferential in magnetic attraction force to the dishware 106 betweenthe end effector 108 and the grasping element 600. The dishware 106 maythen attach to either the end effector 108 or the grasping element 600depending on which exhibits higher magnetic attraction on the dishware106.

This differential in magnetic force may be achieved in numerous ways. Inembodiments utilizing electromagnets, the strength of the electromagnetmay be modulated by modulating their electric current. Where permanentmagnets are used, their output strength may be modulated by controllingthe distance and/or orientation between the dishware 106 and the magnet.

If magnetic force is consistently stronger on either the end effector108 or the grasping element 600 than the other, handoff will alwaysoccur from the weaker to the stronger of the two. In certainembodiments, at least one of the end effector 108 and the graspingelement 600 may be modulated in output magnetic strength by translatingor rotating a permanent magnet thereof relative to the dishware 106, orby controlling current through an electromagnet to either weaken its ownoutput or to counteract the fields of an adjacent permanent magnet.

In one embodiment, for example, dishware 106 may be magnetically graspedby an end effector 108 of a robotic manipulator 104 and moved to amagnetic grasping element 600 of a conveyance assembly 102. The endeffector 108 attached to the dishware 106 may approach and, in someembodiments, make contact with the grasping element 600. The magneticattraction of the dishware 106 to the grasping element 600 may be madestronger than the magnetic attraction of the dishware 106 to the endeffector 108 by, for example, reducing the magnetic attraction of theend effector 108 or increasing the magnetic attraction of the graspingelement 600. In other embodiments, the magnetic attraction of thegrasping element 600 may be constantly stronger than the magneticattraction of the end effector 108 such that no controlled changes tomagnetic attraction are needed. The dishware 106 may then be transferredfrom the end effector 108 to the grasping element 600. The roboticmanipulator 104 may then move away from the dishware 106 on the graspingelement 600.

This magnetic handoff process may be reversed to remove the dishware 106from a grasping element 600 of the conveyance assembly 102. For example,as shown in FIG. 13B, dishware 106 may be grasped by the graspingelement 600 on the conveyance assembly 102. A robotic manipulator 104with a magnetic end effector 108 may approach and/or make contact withdishware 106 on the grasping element 600, as shown in FIG. 13C. Themagnetic attraction of the dishware 106 to the end effector 108 may bemade stronger than the magnetic attraction of the dishware 106 to thegrasping element 600 to enable the end effector 108 to remove thedishware 106 therefrom, as shown in FIG. 13D.

As above, this may be accomplished in various ways. In one embodiment,the end effector 108 magnetic attraction may be increased. In anotherembodiment, the grasping element 600 magnetic attraction may be reduced.In still another embodiment, no controlled changes may be made tomagnetic attraction. Rather, magnetic attraction of the grasping element600 may be constantly weaker than the magnetic attraction of the endeffector 108.

As shown in FIG. 13D, the dishware 106 may then be transferred from thegrasping element 600 to the end effector 108. The robotic manipulator's104 end effector 108 may then be moved away from the grasping element600 with the dishware 106 attached.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a method 1400 for conveying dishware 106through a cleaning cycle in accordance with embodiments of the inventionmay include grasping 1402 dishware from a location, such as conveyancebelt or stack. In some embodiments, a robotic manipulator may utilize anend effector to grasp the dishware, as discussed above.

The dishware may then be transferred 1404 to a receiving surface. Thereceiving surface may be included on a conveyance assembly or wheel, andmay include a grasping element. The grasping element may be actuated1406 to grasp and retrieve the dishware from the end effector of therobotic manipulator. In certain embodiments, both the end effector ofthe robotic manipulator and the grasping element of the conveyanceassembly may be magnetic. Accordingly, in some embodiments, either theend effector or the grasping element may reduce or increase its magneticfield to effectuate hand off of the dishware to the other. In certainembodiments, no controlled changes may be made to magnetic attraction ofthe grasping element or end effector. Rather, magnetic attraction of onemay be constantly weaker or stronger than the magnetic attraction of theother.

After handoff to the grasping element, the method 1400 may query whetherthe dishware is securely retained 1408 and centered 1412 relative to thegrasping element. In certain embodiments, sensors may be used to makethis determination. If not, the dishware may be repositioned 1410 by,for example, changing a state of the grasping element to temporarilydisengage the dishware from the receiving surface and allow magneticand/or mechanical forces to move the dishware laterally with respect tothe grasping element. The method 1400 may then return to query whetherthe dishware is securely retained and centered relative to the graspingelement. If yes to both 1408, 1412, the dishware 106 may be conveyed1414 through each stage of a cleaning cycle.

Upon completion of the cleaning cycle, or at any other desired point inthe process, the method 1400 may disengage 1416 the dishware from thegrasping element by actively or passively changing a state of thegrasping element, as discussed in detail above. In some embodiments,gravity acting on the dishware may shear the dishware from the receivingsurface. In other embodiments, a mechanical feature onboard or offboardthe conveyance assembly may pry the dishware from the grasping elementand receiving surface. In certain embodiments, an end effector of arobotic manipulator may then grasp the dishware and move it to a newlocation.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific implementations in which the disclosure may bepracticed. It is understood that other implementations may be utilizedand structural changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. References in the specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicatethat the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed.Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the disclosure.

1. A system for grasping and retaining dishware during a cleaning cycle,comprising: a grasping element for grasping dishware; and a receivingsurface substantially adjacent to the grasping element for receiving andretaining the dishware during at least one stage of a cleaning cycle,wherein the receiving surface rotates about an axis to convey thedishware to each of at least two unique locations.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the grasping element grasps the dishware utilizing oneof powered vacuum suction and unpowered suction.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the grasping element comprises a mechanical element selectedfrom the group consisting of a hook, a cage, a basket, a groove, and aslot.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the grasping element selectivelygrasps and disengages the dishware based on a direction of gravity asthe receiving surface rotates about the axis.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein a point of contact offboard the receiving surface disengages thedishware from the grasping element.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe grasping element comprises an articulating mechanism to activelygrasp the dishware.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the articulatingmechanism is selected from the group consisting of fingers, claws,pincers, and a prismatic gripper.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein thearticulating mechanism responds to a changing direction of gravity asthe receiving surface rotates about the axis.
 9. The system of claim 6,wherein the articulating mechanism responds to at least one of adishware attachment force, an insertion force, and a presence of thedishware on the receiving surface.
 10. The system of claim 6, wherein apoint of contact offboard the receiving surface actuates thearticulating mechanism upon contact therewith.
 11. The system of claim1, wherein the grasping element is controlled by at least one of anactuator and a transmission element.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe actuator is offboard the receiving surface and wherein thetransmission element is onboard the receiving surface.
 13. A method forgrasping and retaining dishware during a cleaning cycle, comprising:actuating a grasping element to grasp dishware; selectively retainingthe dishware adjacent to a receiving surface associated with thegrasping element; and rotating the receiving surface about an axis toconvey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the grasping element comprises one of apowered vacuum suction element, an unpowered suction element, a staticmechanical element, and an articulating mechanism.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein actuating the grasping element comprises selectivelyactuating the grasping element based on a direction of gravity as thereceiving surface rotates about the axis.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein actuating the grasping element comprises rotating the receivingsurface about the axis such that a point of contact offboard thereceiving surface contacts at least one of the grasping element, thedishware, and the receiving surface to actuate the grasping element. 17.The method of claim 13, wherein actuating the grasping element furthercomprises actuating at least one of an actuator and a transmissionelement associated with the grasping element.
 18. The method of claim17, wherein the actuator is offboard the conveyance assembly and thetransmission element is onboard the conveyance assembly.
 19. The methodof claim 13, wherein actuating the grasping element comprises actuatingthe grasping element in response to at least one of a dishwareattachment force, an insertion force, and a presence of the dishware onthe receiving surface.
 20. The method of claim 13, further comprisingdisengaging the dishware from the grasping element upon contact betweena point of contact offboard the receiving surface and at least one ofthe grasping element, the dishware, and the receiving surface.